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windi , 19 Mar 2012

I want to stop picking my skin

I'm 39 and have picked my skin ever since I can remember. I'm at the place now where I can't wear anything that shows to much skin. I live in the south and I'm so tired of being so hot all the tiime from not being able to wear summer clothes. I suffer from OCD and trying to quit seems to be impossable. I'm trying to quit despite all that however. It's hard. Really hard. I saw a needle today while cleaning and I wanted to start digging so bad. I am on day 2 from picking at my skin. This is the longest I have ever gone from digging and picking. I need support. Any support would be great.
18 Answers
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windi
March 19, 2012
I have not picked my legs yet today but it has been super hard. The urge to pick gets stronger and stronger. I'm trying to stay busy but it is still really hard. I can't stop thinking about it. I feel so crazy. I hate this.
sunny55
March 19, 2012
hi windi. i completely understand how hard it is! I just turned 24 and for about 10 years i have picked my face, shoulders, breasts, pubic area, legs, and arms. Last week I had had enough and I went to get a facial hoping that it would help me stop picking!!! So, this is my first week trying to stop. I understand that in order to change, one must distract yourself with positive habits and hopefully shun the bad habit out. You are not crazy. You are very strong by trying to stop hurting yourself. I believe for me it is an expression of my anxiety. So, I am looking around this site for ideas in controlling this bad and hurtful behavior.
windi
March 20, 2012
Thank you so much for the support. Today was a tough day and I struggled all through it but I did make it without picking!! Yay! I see my sores starting to heal and for the first time in a long time I feel like there is hope. no one understands this problem I have and it is really hard. I have started talking about it though and even though no one cares I still call and tell everyone I have not picked Hahaha!! It helps to talk about it. That is why I found a site like this. I need to start talking about this and getting it oute in the open. It helped being able to get on the computer and type out my struggles. I hope you find what you need here. Picking is such a tough struggle. I'm here for support any time. I started a Facebook page on compulsive picking.....come join. https://www.facebook.com/#!/CompulsiveSkinPicking
sunny55
March 21, 2012
THAT'S GREAT! TODAY IS MY FIRST DAY OF NO PICKING! Oh my god, healing takes a bit of time which is quite frustrating, but we must must must be patient and distract ourselves with healthy habits. The only reason I didn't pick in the shower tonight is because I must write in the forum every night! :) We can do it!
windi
March 21, 2012
This is my third day. I didn't do so well yesturday. But I stoped myself and I'm refusing to pick right now. I want to post pictures of my legs so I can see the healing take place. It is such a slow process it gets discouraging. For the first time though I feel very serious about quitting. Sorry for my poor spelling.
sunny55
March 22, 2012
No problem. it really is about self-control! And it is H.A.R.D. I find that when I pick one, I think I might as well just pick absolutely everything I can find. Why do we do that? I think we have perfectionistic ideals although I would not consider myself a perfectionist, I do have tendencies when it comes to my skin. The healing process is so slow, I know! You know what? I have been wearing an adhesive bra which literally sticks to the breasts... and wouldn't you know... in the last three days, two of my favorite "pick sites" have STARTED HEALING... IT'S AMAZING!
windi
March 19, 2012
I still have not picked. I'm still holding on. The day is almost over. Clear legs!!! I will have it.
windi
March 20, 2012
I made it a full day without picking my legs. I know my legs will take awhile to heal so I have to be patient but at least I am giving them a chance. I know they are on their way to being healed. I just want clear skin so bad.
windi
March 20, 2012
Today is another day I will not pick. My legs look like crap and it's soooo hard not to take my fingers and a needle and start digging away. It's really hard when the healing process takes so long. I'm feeling so edgy right now....I feel like taking a really brisk walk. But my 4 yr. old is with me and I can't walk fast with her. Blah!!!!
willah
March 21, 2012
My legs are a real source of stress for me as well. I've been picking my skin for years and have gotten teased about it throughout grade school. I'm almost 19 years old and have my first boyfriend and not feeling comfortable showing my skin is stressing me out a lot. In fact, it provokes more picking. I also go to college in a very warm climate and I am pretty active (I do a lot of climbing and backpacking). Not being able to wear shorts to do activities is getting difficult and socially embarrassing for me- especially because my legs are relatively nice! I've tried keeping a journal or wearing gloves to stop myself but that really hasn't worked... I'm going to try this skin cream called PFB Vanish Skin Treatment which is said to treat ingrown hairs bumps and skin irritation. The reviews on line seem pretty positive but I'll keep you updated.
windi
March 21, 2012
It's almost 80 here. So hot. But I'm in pants.....I'm so sick of this. I'm so serious about quitting this time. Ive started a facebook page about picking and with this site I try and stay as busy as I can. I just have to keep my fingers busy. I will keep you in my prayers with this journey. It is so very hard.
sunny55
March 24, 2012
Hi Windi how did it go today? You are in my thoughts!
remmymellina
February 11, 2013
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BW
February 15, 2013
Hey I didn't know what the name of this condition meant and googled it. While searching for answers to different health problems of mine, I learned about yours. I read a review on a supplement that said it helped this problem as well as OCD, hair pulling(trichotillomania), etc. On Amazon. It's from the company called NOW. It's called NAC(600mg.) Sincerely hope it helps!! (I love picking/popping zits, etc., Etc.-addictive style, could do for a job & love-love it, except for the pain factor-So I understand a little.)
lola1
July 28, 2013
Oh my god can't believe that this is not just me I thought I was the only wierdo who mutilated my own body for reasons unbeknown to myself feel a little bit better now!
Lady Grace
July 28, 2013
I need to be able to talk about it with those that experience this compulsion ..... I have kept it to myself for over 3 years at least...just thought I was weird or something!

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